Autumn is often referred to as a mini spring in the garden. But with richer hues of gold and maroon and plenty of foliage. Up your autumn gardening  game by giving it a good feed that’ll maximise growth during spring.

Here are some autumn gardening tips for successful feeding:

1. Water plants well before applying fertiliser.

This is essential. It helps with preventing the fertiliser from burning the roots, especially if the soil is dry. Water makes available to plants the minerals that they will need when winter makes its arrival and temperatures drop.

2. Feed when temperatures are lower.

For example, feed in the late afternoon or on cloudy days. Feeding when temperatures are lower helps plants produce a higher concentration of the materials they need to resist freezing.

3. Keep granular fertiliser away from the stems and leaves of plants. 

Direct contact with fertiliser granules can burn plants. Remember, you’re actually feeding the soil so that it can feed the plant.

4. When fertilising trees or large shrubs… 

…concentrate on the soil area below the ‘drip line’ of the leaves and branches above. This is where most active feeder roots are located.

5. For smaller and container plants

It’s best to feed using a water-soluble fertiliser, which allows for more even application.

For more tips about feeding your garden, read these blogs:

• How to Fertilise Your Garden
• Beginner’s guide to mulching